News and Events Latest January 6th Greek Epiphany Day
January 6th Greek Epiphany Day
The Feast of Epiphany on the 6th January, marks an end to the festive season and the celebrations. The celebration is to commemorate the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan. There are a few names given to this day such as: The Feast of Epiphany, Ta Fota, Theofania and The Solemn Blessing of the Waters.
The Feat of Epiphany starts on the 5th January in the Greek villages and small towns. The local priest will visit each home to bless the resident's houses with holy water, this is called 'Ayiasmos'.
On the 6th January, people mark the day by watching ceremonies that are held at nearby lakes, harbours and rivers. People gather to watch the swimmers dive in to freezing cold water to compete against one another to retrieve a Holycross, which is thrown in to the waters from a person on a boat on the otherside if the water. The swimmer who retrieves the cross, is blessed with honour and luck.